Angora

Angora (anc. Ancyra, Turk. Inkhire), an ancient inland city of Anatolia, Asiatic Turkey, situated on a river known in early times as the Sangarius, now Sakaria, and giving its name to a village. Greek and Roman remains abound in the neighbourhood, and the ruins exist of the splendid marble temple built in honour of Augustus. An inscription, purporting to be his testament, was found engraved on the columns. It was the seat of an early Christian Church, founded perhaps by St. Paul, and councils were held there in 314 and 358. Tamerlane defeated Bajazet near this spot (1402) and imprisoned him in an iron cage. The Turks have had possession of Angora since 1416. The chief trade of the place consists of the fine wool or outer coat of the Angora goat. Cats and rabbits having the same long silky fur are named from the town.